Climbable device and method for producing the same

ABSTRACT

The invention relates to a climbable device that is characterized in that it comprises at least one tarpaulin. On at least one of the main surfaces of said tarpaulin climbing holds can be fixed. The invention further relates to a method of producing such a climbable device.

[0001] The invention relates to a climbable device.

[0002] The invention also relates to a method for the production of a climbable device.

[0003] Wall climbing has become a popular leisure activity. For many reasons, the need arose to practice this sport on man-made devices. Such devices make it possible to go climbing without limitations in terms of location and weather conditions. Another advantage offered by man-made climbing devices is that they are environmentally friendly.

[0004] A device of this type is known from German preliminary published application DE 43 12 70 A1.

[0005] This prior-art device is characterized by individual modules having a rigid design that can be connected by an additionally reinforcing surrounding frame so as to form a climbing wall.

[0006] The invention has the objective of creating a device of this type that can be produced in the simplest manner possible.

[0007] This objective is achieved according to the invention in that a device of this type is designed so as to comprise at least one tarpaulin and in that climbing handholds can be affixed to at least one main surface of the tarpaulin.

[0008] This creates a very versatile climbable device. By selecting the size of the tarpaulin appropriately, the device can be adapted to a wide array of needs on the part of its users. For instance, a module or the device can be designed so as to be portable. When the size of the tarpaulin is fairly small, the device can be set up, for example, in normal locations such as houses or shops. Larger tarpaulins or devices comprising several tarpaulins are especially suitable for use in larger places or outdoors. Preferred places of use are schools, gyms and swimming pools. For other locations, such as fitness studios, tarpaulins of different sizes can be used.

[0009] In a practical manner, the tarpaulin is designed in such a way that it already has the stability needed so that it can be climbed on.

[0010] Preferably, the device is configured in such a manner that the tarpaulin is fitted with attachment means that serve to receive the climbing handholds.

[0011] It is particularly advantageous that the tarpaulin can be folded and/or rolled up since this allows it to be transported quickly from one location to another and/or to be stowed on-site so that it can be secured against unauthorized use. Safeguarding against unauthorized use can also be achieved in that at least one segment of the tarpaulin surface can be removed.

[0012] The stability of the module or of the climbable device created with it can be enhanced by attaching at least parts of the tarpaulin to at least one reinforcement means.

[0013] The stability can advantageously be further enhanced in that the reinforcement means is configured so as to be flat.

[0014] A particularly lightweight and sturdy embodiment of the module or of the device is characterized in that the reinforcement means is essentially in the form of strips.

[0015] Another improvement in the production and handling properties can be achieved in that the reinforcement means comprises at least one strip of webbing.

[0016] In this context, it is especially advantageous that at least one of the attachment means for the climbing handholds is in contact with the reinforcement means.

[0017] Basically, all materials that are sufficiently tear-resistant are suitable as the material for the tarpaulin. Preferably, materials are used that are easy to obtain and that combine ready availability with suitable cutting properties as well as high chemical and mechanical resistance.

[0018] Examples of such materials are polyester and PVC.

[0019] Advantageously, the module has at least one hanging means.

[0020] In a simple and yet practical case, the hanging means is an eyelet.

[0021] Suitable holding means, such as ropes made of elastic or non-elastic material can be fastened in the eyelet.

[0022] A particularly practical embodiment of the invention is characterized in that the tarpaulin is tensioned in a frame. The frame increases both the mechanical stability and the transportability of the device.

[0023] Another improvement in the transportability can be achieved by configuring the frame so as to be collapsible.

[0024] The usefulness can be enhanced in that a liquid, especially water, flows over the climbable device, at least in one area.

[0025] The usefulness can be further improved in that liquid flows over the main surface area.

[0026] Likewise, it is advantageous to carry out a process for the production of a climbable device in such a way that a tarpaulin is fitted with attachment means for handholds and/or fitted with handholds.

[0027] In this context, it is advantageous for the tarpaulin to be provided with at least one reinforcement means.

[0028] Here, it is particularly practical for the attachment means and/or the climbing handholds to be placed in the area of the reinforcement means.

[0029] It is especially advantageous for webbing to be provided as reinforcement means and for the attachment means and/or climbing handholds to be connected to the webbing.

[0030] Another subject matter of the invention is to carry out a process for the production of a climbable device in such a way that a module according to the invention is hung on a hanging means.

[0031] Additional advantages, special features and practical refinements of the invention can be gleaned from the subordinate claims and from the presentation below of preferred embodiments with reference to the drawing.

[0032] The drawing shows a top view of a module according to the invention that is particularly suitable for the production of a climbable device.

[0033] The module consists of a tarpaulin 10 that can be fitted with climbing handholds 20. The stability of the tarpaulin 10 can be enhanced by means of one or more rods (not shown here).

[0034] The climbing handholds 20 are preferably placed on a suitable reinforcement means whereby, in the case shown here, said reinforcement means consists of several strips of webbing that are preferably arranged parallel to each other on the tarpaulin.

[0035] The handholds are attached to the tarpaulin by means of one or more connection means, such as screws in the simplest variant. In this context, it is practical for the tarpaulin to be reinforced at the places where the handholds are secured. This reinforcement can be achieved, for example, by means of one or more plain washers or else with flat steel. This counterlocks the handholds. A particularly simple and practical counterlocking can be achieved in that the handholds are in the same position on both main surfaces of the tarpaulin.

[0036] The upper area of the module can be hung from an eyelet 40.

[0037] The module can be easily transported and thus be brought to the place of use.

[0038] Should it be desired for the module to remain at a given site, the tarpaulin can be removed from the area of access by potential users whenever it does not have to be used or when its use is not desired or is prohibited.

[0039] This can be done, for instance, by rolling up the tarpaulin. This rolling up is particularly practical if the climbing handholds are relatively small in comparison to the size of the tarpaulin.

[0040] If the climbing handholds, however, are fairly sizeable, it is also possible to simply lift part of the tarpaulin so that in this case as well, the elasticity of the tarpaulin allows the module or the device created with the module to be altered.

[0041] In the case being presented here, the tarpaulin is made of polyethylene or PVC. The elasticity of the tarpaulin also increases the leisure value for users since, upon climbing the support wall, climbers experience an added degree of freedom in that the climbing action can be enhanced—as a function of an adjustment of the elasticity of the tarpaulin—by a swinging motion that increases the fun for users.

[0042] Reference Numerals:

[0043]10 tarpaulin

[0044]20 climbing handholds

[0045]40 eyelet 

1. A climbable device, characterized in that it has at least one tarpaulin, whereby climbing handholds can be affixed to at least one main surface of the tarpaulin and in that the tarpaulin can be folded and/or rolled up, in that the tarpaulin is attached, at least in sections, to a frame-like holding means and in that the frame is collapsible.
 2. The device according to claim 1, characterized in that the tarpaulin is fitted with attachment means that serve to receive the climbing handholds.
 3. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that at least parts of the tarpaulin are attached to at least one reinforcement means.
 4. The device according to claim 3, characterized in that the reinforcement means is configured so as to be flat.
 5. The device according to claim 4, characterized in that the reinforcement means is essentially in the form of strips.
 6. The device according to claim 5, characterized in that the reinforcement means comprises at least one strip of webbing.
 7. The device according to claim 5 and/or claim 6, characterized in that it comprises several reinforcement means, whereby at least some of said reinforcement means are aligned parallel to each other.
 8. The device according to one or more of claims 3 through 7, characterized in that at least one reinforcement means is located in at least one edge area of the tarpaulin.
 9. The device according to one or more of claims 3 through 8, characterized in that at least some of the attachment means for the climbing handholds are in contact with the reinforcement means.
 10. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tarpaulin contains a polyester compound, at least in some areas.
 11. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tarpaulin contains a polyvinyl chloride compound, at least in some areas.
 12. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that the tarpaulin contains a polyethylene compound, at least in some areas.
 13. The device according to one or more of claims 1 through 12, characterized in that it contains at least one hanging means.
 14. The device according to claim 13, characterized in that the hanging means comprises at least one eyelet.
 15. The device according to one or more of claims 1 through 14, characterized in that the climbing handholds are affixed to both main surfaces of the tarpaulin.
 16. The device according to one or more of the preceding claims, characterized in that a liquid, especially water, flows over it, at least in one place.
 17. The device according to claim 16, characterized in that the liquid can flow over the main surface area.
 18. A process for the production of a climbable device, characterized in that a module is produced, whereby a tarpaulin is fitted with attachment means for handholds and/or fitted with handholds and in that the module is hung on a hanging means.
 19. The process according to claim 18, characterized in that the tarpaulin is provided with at least one reinforcement means.
 20. The process according to claim 19, characterized in that the reinforcement means and/or the climbing handholds are affixed in the area of the reinforcement material.
 21. The process according to claim 20, characterized in that webbing is provided as the reinforcement means and in that the attachment means and/or climbing handholds are connected to the webbing.
 22. The process according to one or more of claims 18 through 21, characterized in that the module hangs down from the holding means.
 23. The process according to one or more of claims 18 through 22, characterized in that the module is hung on at least two sides that are essentially opposite from each other. 